The four suspects arrested in Limpopo have appeared in the Lephalale Magistrate Court today in connection with the alleged issuing of fraudulent roadworthy certificates. The court postponed the matter until Friday, 18th October 2019 for a formal bail hearing.
The four accused, Mr Zwelihle Khumalo (37), Lebogang Rapetso (24), Peter Schutte (47) and Silas Mashala (28) were all arrested in Phalala testing station on Monday as part of Operation Corolla.
After investigation, it emerged that Mashala, Schutte were arrested on similar allegations in April this year. They were initially given an R1000 bail and their case is currently before the Lephalale Regional Court.
The officials were arrested at a privately-owned vehicle testing station in Limpopo on suspicion that they issued roadworthy certificates for vehicles that they never physically examined.
The four, three-vehicle examiners and a clerk were apprehended when a joint investigation team consisting of members of the Road Traffic Management Corporation’s National Traffic Anti-Corruption Unit, the Hawks and Special Investigation Unit raided their Phalala Testing Station in the town of Lephalale.
un-roadworthy vehicles count among the top three major contributory factors to road fatalities. With October being recognized as transport month, authorities are paying special attention to fraud and corruption to improve safety on the roads.
Members of the public are called upon to report road traffic-related corruption and bribery on 0861 400 800 or Email: Ntacu@rtmc.co.za